WE, IN THE legal profession, are under attack. And here is my take on this.
There is an ongoing alarm in the wake of violent attacks on judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession in the Philippines. They have been harassed, assaulted and killed.
Prosecutors and judges are attacked in connection with their decisions and exercise of due process. Lawyers are attacked in relation with their clients who are charged with being members of dangerous drugs groups, and accusations of graft and corruption against the police and army. They are attacked even for the fact that they are promoting due process and human rights.
The practice of law is a sacred and noble profession. Its purpose is to preserve the moral sanctity that binds the society.
Unfortunately, the violence against members of the legal profession undermines the ability of the justice system personnel to do their jobs without fear or favor. It has chilling effect on people when they are in doubt, and they eventually lose their willingness to trust the justice system.
“Wala siya kabalo that I am a paying client. Kaya ko magbayad para mapadasig ni ah. Baw! Kun pwede lang. Bal-an mo na na.” I overheard these words during one of my out-of-town hearings. But of course, his counsel advised him not to.
Some people are discouraged to avail themselves of the legitimate process and remedies because of threat and fear, and the loss of faith in the justice system. They think that even members of the legal profession cannot administer and deliver justice.
It is also disturbing to know that there are people who choose to work in favor of the privileged and powerful for the hope that the latter could expedite justice. This has only contributed to the cycle of violence.
Sadly, some sectors of the public don’t care about this. As long as they are safe in their own house or community, they’ll rather keep quiet and live their lives peacefully.
We need public clamor. We need assurance from the government that our justice system will work and is working.
This is a sharp deterioration not only of the justice system but also of human rights. This is also an attack on the rule of law. The government should take all measures to guarantee the safety and integrity of lawyers. It has to investigate thoroughly and independently all attacks against lawyers and other members of the law profession.
If the government is serious about addressing this issue, it must build a trusted and effective justice system that works for all Filipinos./PN
